Where Can You See Dragon Blood Trees? A Journey to the Edge of the Earth
They look like upside-down umbrellas. Or something from another planet. But they’re real—and they only grow in one place on Earth.
I had searched "Where can I see dragon blood trees?" and ended up on a remote island off the coast of Yemen: Socotra.
For years, I had dreamed of seeing these ancient trees in person. Locals call them “blood trees” for the crimson resin that seeps from their bark—once used in medicine, dyes, even magic. But beyond their legend, it’s their form that takes your breath away: a tight crown of spiky green balancing on bare, twisting trunks. And scattered across an alien-like plateau, they seem frozen in time.
The Last Living Forest of Its Kind
Getting to Socotra is no small feat. The only regular flight is from Abu Dhabi, and even then, only once a week. There’s no roaming signal, no Wi-Fi, no luxury. You land, and you’re off-grid. What you get in return is a place where nature writes its own rules.
I joined a local guide and hiked into the Diksam Plateau. It took nearly two hours under the midday sun, weaving through limestone, shrubs, and sharp wind. But the view when we reached the grove made every step worth it.
The forest is smaller than I expected—maybe just a few dozen healthy trees—but it's unlike anything else I’ve seen. The oldest are over 500 years old, and botanists believe their species dates back 45 million years.
Can dragon blood trees grow anywhere else?
Sadly, no. Scientists have tried, but Socotra’s highlands offer a rare mix of elevation, fog, wind, and limestone soil that’s nearly impossible to replicate.
Why a Waterproof Backpack for Hiking Was My Lifesaver
It’s not often that a piece of gear makes or breaks a trip—but here, it truly did. The heat was dry, the cliffs steep, and sudden winds swept fine dust everywhere. I packed light: a single waterproof backpack for hiking, just large enough for daily essentials, camera gear, and 3 liters of water.
What I needed most was durability, weather protection, and comfort over long hikes. I ended up using it as a daypack, and even as a pillow during a windy overnight camp. If you're planning any remote hike—especially in arid terrain like this—choose a lightweight waterproof hiking backpack with a good suspension system and exterior pockets.
Final Thoughts
Where do dragon blood trees grow? Just here.
Where can you see them? Only if you make the journey.
It's not a trip everyone can or should make. But if you're drawn to wild, remote, deeply alien landscapes—and you're okay with leaving your phone offline and comfort zones behind—this might be the most unforgettable hike of your life.
And for anyone still Googling “Where can I see dragon blood trees?”—you now have your answer.